Plot & Overall Impressions
In an era clinging to cynicism, Superman (2025) emerges as a bright, audacious defibrillator—jabbing at our world with reminders that hope, goodness, and compassion might not be outdated. Director and co-writer James Gunn doesn’t waste time on origin stories. Superman is already Clark Kent, bustling through the Daily Planet newsroom, calling himself a reporter rather than a superhero. There’s no awkward exposition. He simply is—gentle but resolute, alien but achingly humane.
Lex Luthor, embodied by Nicholas Hoult, doesn’t lurk in secret lairs scheming for energy crystals—he exploits the power of disinformation and digital manipulation to sow chaos. It’s a villain for this moment: sophisticated, slippery, culturally relevant, and quite terrifying in its banality.
Midair battles and supercharged rescues are impeccably staged—classic James Gunn: kinetic, playful, emotionally textured. But what grabs the heart are quieter moments: Clark helping children, sparring with Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) over newsroom deadlines, and interacting with Krypto, his playful flying dog. The film pairs blockbuster scale with tender domestic detail, forging an emotional core in a universe building toward grandeur.
The pacing blends warm humor, philosophical undertones, and dazzling CGI. It’s not always perfect—some exposition feels packed in, and a few transitions feel abrupt—but the tone stays earnest. This is Superman rebooted—not just as a hero, but as an emissary of moral clarity.
Acting: Heroic Without Capes, Emotional Without Pageant
David Corenswet as Clark Kent / Superman
There’s an understated magnetism here, not the thunderous gravitas of Reeve-style Superman, but a relatable, quietly earnest soul. His Clark feels lived-in, humble, his Superman moments powerful yet gentle. Fist clenched or hand extended, it’s humanity that rallies beneath the cape.
Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane
She brings a smoky, determined energy to the role—equal parts tenacious journalist and moral compass. Brosnahan’s performance isn’t soft-glazed; she has cut and wit but also vulnerability, grounding her in reality.
Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor
This Luthor leans into sleek charm, manipulated media, and public influence—less mad genius, more polished menace. Hoult plays him with a cool edge that unsettles more than any nihilistic rage could.
Supporting Cast
Isabela Merced (Hawkgirl), Nathan Fillion (Guy Gardner / Green Lantern), and Edi Gathegi (Mister Terrific) are introduced with brief but potent flashes—suggestive of the broader universe to come. Anthony Carrigan (Metamorpho) enriches the lore with charisma. Their appearances hint at a larger tapestry unfolding, and Gunn teases this with economy rather than crowd overload.
Critical & Industry Insight
James Gunn’s vision for this Superman isn’t just boy scout boycotting dark drama—it’s a “huggable,” emotionally grounded avenger for a world craving alignment. He emphasizes that this hero is meant to comfort, not intimidate.
The film has an 83% critics score and 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for balancing blockbuster spectacle with a resonant heart. And amid a culture suspicious of optimism, Gunn leans into kindness as radical act.
Variety notes that this Superman is “not just another reboot,” but “the cornerstone for a thoughtfully united DC Universe,” where cinematic ambition meets narrative cohesion.
Final Verdict
Superman (2025) doesn’t just fly—it lands. In its best moments, it feels vast and intimate all at once. Corenswet offers a gentler, more reflective Superman. Brosnahan’s Lois anchors him in empathy. Gunn’s storytelling doesn’t scream—it whispers truths: in our fractured world, decency can still fly.
This Superman isn’t just a hero for nostalgic thrills; he’s a beacon for 2025’s weary heart. Watch him. Let him remind you: kindness is not weakness—it’s super.
Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Budget | $225 million |
| Screenwriter | James Gunn |
| Director | James Gunn |
| Producer(s) | Peter Safran (Producer); James Gunn (Producer) |
| Main Actors | David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Isabela Merced, Nathan Fillion, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan |
| Production Company | Troll Court Entertainment; The Safran Company |
| Distributor / Studio | Warner Bros. Pictures; DC Studios |
Notable Quotes
James Gunn:
“This Superman needed to be emotionally huggable… a beacon of kindness, especially for kids, unlike the darkness of Batman.”
James Gunn on DC Universe strategy:
“This film is the foundation of a united DC Universe—joining Peacemaker, Supergirl, Lanterns, Clayface… all beginning here.”
Critics Consensus:
“Pulling off the heroic feat of fleshing out a dynamic new world while putting its champion’s big, beating heart front and center, this Superman flies high as a Man of Tomorrow grounded in the here and now.”